From the moment of its conception, each product must undergo a given series of test procedures that check its function, operational features and design.

It all begins with the manufacture of a functioning prototype, when the first design and circuitry solution is known. In this stage, the product undergoes a series of laboratory tests. It is classified according to standards into a device group that characterizes its conditions of use, mechanical and climatic impacts. It is used as a background for creation of a testing program, which details technical parameters and testing methods for the product.

The next stage consists in the production of prototypes for factory tests (FT), performed by a testing technician from the TQM department. The purpose is to prove that the product meets all requirements in the technical conditions draft (testing program). This stage also verifies whether the product is functionally reliable and whether the design is suitable for its intended purpose. After the successful finish of factory tests and subsequent modifications, documentation is corrected and prototypes for inspection tests are manufactured.

The inspection test (IT) of prototypes is done by customers and it is supervised by a committee according the to customer-approved program. Any comments and imperfections revealed by the IT must be remedied and modified so that the military test (MT) may begin, done by the customer in the real environment of military units. The results of this test are vital in establishing whether the test series will be manufactured. If MTs pass as satisfactory, test results must be taken into account and documentation for the test series modified accordingly. Subsequent approval proceedings include preparation and signing of technical conditions for the test series.

Test series tests (TST) follow the programs assembled and approved in technical conditions, and are supervised by the customer. One of the aims is to test the readiness for series production. These tests are evaluated and approved by a committee, which recommends launching of the series production if the results are positive (if there are faults or problems, corrective action must be taken including additional testing to make sure the TST result is satisfactory; series production cannot be recommended if the TST results remain unsatisfactory).

However, this is not the end of testing in our company. Periodic inspection tests (PIT) are carried out annually on products randomly selected from series production. Scope and methods are defined in the purchase contract and product technical conditions. Results of PITs apply for all products manufactured since the test series and then since the last PITs.

In general, each type of test is divided into three stages: testing of technical parameters (measuring of both electrical and non-electrical parameters), testing of operational features (practical operation) and testing of mechanical and climatic resistance.

Results of FTs, ITs, MTs, TSTs and PITs are summed up in protocols and reports that must be approved and signed by the committee chairman and members.

DICOM has a fully equipped testing lab where most climatic and mechanical tests can be carried out. Climatic chambers are used to simulate limit operational/non-operational environment temperatures, including increased humidity, while a pressure chamber simulates aircraft transport condition, etc. A vibration device is used to establish product resonance and test its firmness and resistance against vibrations.

Testing by mechanical impacts, thick fog, dust and sand, and several electromagnetic compatibility tests are done by certified external test labs (such as. ITC, a.s. MESIT QM, VOP-026 Šternberk, s.p. - division VTÚP Vyškov...).